The following is a collection of short interviews of teachers at Seattle Academy. All were asked the same three questions “Where did you go to college?” “Why did you choose that school?” and “In hindsight, were you happy with your choice?”

Andrew Westhoff '16 sits down with Kat Stokes '16 to talk all things performance and theatre. Make sure to see Kat star as Morticia in Seattle Academy's production of The Addams Family. Questions are from Andrew, answers are from Kat.

Question: What are you working on right now in terms of theater?

Answer: Well right now I am in the play The Addams Family, and play the lead role, Morticia. I am extremely excited about playing this role. Because SAAS has an intense and demanding Arts Department, I have to spend a lot of time rehearsing and practicing my lines. Also, because I do play the lead, I have a very intense dance role (more intense than usual theater requirements). I enjoy the makeup aspects of the play, because they are intricate and complex color schemes. I also enjoy this play because it is a comedy.

Q: How many plays have you been in in total?

A: Throughout the course of my career as an actress, I have been in five musicals. One of my favorites was Bye Bye Birdie where I played Conrad Birdie. That play took place in my 8th grade year.

Q: When did you start acting? What was the first production you were in?

A: I started acting when I was in 4th grade. I am actually having trouble remembering the name of the first play I was in. However, I do remember it entailed a young kid who broke his leg. It was a fun experience that I remember got me into acting.

Q: Although you previously stated that one of your favorite productions was Bye Bye Birdie, do you have a very favorite?

A: I think my favorite play in terms of having fun is The Addams Family. I have been having so much fun this year. Senior year has obviously been very stressful, and the fact that I get to sing and dance at the end of each day makes me much less stressed.

A: What do you plan on doing in terms of theater or musical productions after high school?

Kat: Although I love theater and hope to pursue some productions after high school, I am focused on music. I really love singing and plan on going to college to study musical theory and advanced music. Dance has also been a major part of my theatrical career, which is something I also hope to participate in in college.

Q: Why do you choose to be in Advance Dance rather than Seattle Academy Jazz Choir?

A: In terms of what I love, I value both music and dance. However, I have loved participating in advanced dance in high school and feel a sort of loyalty to the dance team. I feel that I take more from dancing at SAAS, while also taking private singing lessons outside of SAAS to ensure my voice stays in the best quality it can be.